AmaZulu President, Sandile Zungu has announced the capture of 9 new recruits to equip his Spaniard tactician, Pablo “Cijimpi” Franco as he looks to begin his journey in the 2023/24 DStv Premiership campaign this weekend.
“The club AmaZulu had a very successful pre- season programme spanning over 6 weeks. This saw players within the club’s books as well as those from our youth structures, coupled with a few trialists from the PSL and hopefuls from abroad all getting a lookin against the playing philosophy of Usuthu.”
“We played 12 matches against strong KZN and eSwatini opposition, 11 of which we won. We are pleased to announce the signing of all our new players, on contracts ranging from 3 to 4 years,” said Zungu.
New signings:
1. Wayde Jooste (32), Defender
2. Rowan Human (22), Midfielder
3. Victorien Adebayor (26), Attacking Midfielder
4. Celimpilo Ngema (26), Attacking Midfielder
5. Siyanda Hlangabeza (22), Central Midfielder
6. Victor Letsoalo (30), Centre Forward
7 Mlondi Mbanjwa (26), Winger
8. Andile Kwanele Mbanjwa (25), Goalkeeper
9. Mfanafuthi Mkhize (27), Defender
The president further extended best wishes to the following players that have since parted ways with the club, namely:
1. Guily Manziba
2. Rally Bwalya
3. Lehlohonolo Majoro
4. Keegan Buchanan
5. Dumisani Zuma
6. Jean Noel Amonome
7. Thendo Mukumela
8. Lankie Khoza
9. Thabo Qalinge
10. Sbongakonke Ndlovu
11. Kabelo Makola
12. Samkelo Mgwazela
13. Sphelele Zulu
14. Jody February (loaned from Sundowns)
15. Gabadinho Mhango
He continued: “In due course, during the current transfer window, we will announce further changes in the team, as and when such changes occur.”
“On the bench of AmaZulu shall be the following outstanding coaching personnel, namely, Pablo Franco Martin (head coach), Aitor van den Brule (first assistant coach), Siboniso Nini Vilakazi (second assistant coach) and Wayne Sandilands (goalkeeper coach).”
“Mr Motuba Mokoena has been appointed Team Manager of AmaZulu after the departure of Mr Qedi Dlamini. We wish to thank the legendary Qedi for his great service to AmaZulu over the years.”
“The search for the Director of Football and the Public Relations Officer is progressing well. Announcements will be made in due course upon the conclusion of the search processes,” said Zungu.
The following changes will also occur within the youth technical structures:
U15: Taoni Banda has been promoted to head coach and will be assisted by Princess Motaung.
U17: Brice Petersen moves up to the u17s and will be assisted by Amanda Sithole.
U19: Andile Cele continues as head coach of u19s but also moves into the assistant coaching role in the DDC team.
DDC: Reneilwe Letsholonyane is the new DDC head coach working with Andile Cele, Aubrey Vilakazi, Sanele Dlamini, Mkhuliseni Mkhize and Bukelani Mthembu as team manager.
